Leeds Rhinos: Rhinos release Falloon after Aussie hooker fails to make an impact at Headingley

Dave Craven

Leeds Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington says the club is “sorry” Beau Falloon’s stay at Headingley has not been more successful.

They terminated the hooker’s contract by mutual consent today with the Australian having played just 10 games since joining from Gold Coast Titans last October.

Falloon, 29, has failed to make a lasting impression with his performances and it was agreed to cut short his 12-month deal.

Leeds signed fellow Australian hooker James Segeyaro last month as part of a swap deal with Penrith Panthers which saw Zak Hardaker head the other way.

Segeyaro is now in the country and will debut at Hull FC on Friday night having been named in Brian McDermott’s 19-man squad.

Hetherington said: “Beau leaves with our best wishes.

“We are sorry that things did not work out with him and the club as he has been a great professional since he arrived.

“The signing of James Segeyaro was not planned for this season but his availability has resulted in us having to make a decision on Beau.

“He could not have tried harder during his time at the club and he has been unfortunate with injuries at certain times.

“Nobody has been more frustrated by those injuries than Beau himself.

“He now has the opportunity to look at new options for his next club.”

McDermott also has Jordan Lilley and Ash Handley recalled to his squad but England second-row Brett Ferres misses out with a foot injury.

Hull captain Gareth Ellis, the ex-Leeds and England second-row, is back for the leaders along with Jamie Shaul and Liam Watts after they all missed Friday’s loss at Huddersfield, a first defeat in 11 games.